UAM Debate Team Sets Season Award Record

---

   The University of Arkansas at Monticello’s debate team captured the co-championship in varsity debate, earned nine awards, finished second in the team sweepstakes competition and broke the school record for awards in a single season at a tournament hosted by Henderson State University February 17-18.     

Courtesy of Media Services

UAM Debate Team - Pictured from left are (first row) Kate Kelly, Megan Mixon, Lauren Raynor, Brian Rauls, Colt Roan, Nicci Norton, Cassidy Gavin, Shiann Ryals; (second row) Whitney Romans, John Cruce, Chris Halley, Brooke Flemister, Assistant Director Jim Evans; (back row) Zach Baumgarten Quinton Jones, Joel Brown and Justin Banks.

   In breaking the school record for awards in a season, UAM debaters have earned 114 awards and can increase that total with three tournaments remaining. The previous record of 109 awards was set in 1992.  

   According to Director of Speech and Debate Scott Kuttenkuler, “This is a special group of students. This record is something that the team targeted as one of the goals at the start of the season. Now that this has been accomplished, the goal has been revised. With three tournaments left, the new goal is 150 and with continued hard word and dedication that number is very possible.” 

   In the varsity debate competition at HSU, Chris Halley of North Little Rock and Joel Brown of Monticello both reached the finals and declared co-champions. Halley also won a third place speaker award, and Brown was the fourth place speaker in the varsity division. Brian Rauls of Bearden and Shiann Ryals of Dardanelle reached the quarterfinals. Colt Roan of Crossett and Brooke Flemister of Monticello were both open debate quarterfinalists. 

   Also contributing to the winning effort were Justin Banks, John Cruce, Quinton Jones, Kate Kelly, Megan Mixon, Nicci Norton, Lauren Raynor, Whitney Romans, Cassidy Gavin and Zach Baumgarten. 

   According to Assistant Director of Forensics Jim Evans, “The individuals on this team are operating as single unit. Though press releases tend to highlight those who received awards, they often do not give full recognition to the efforts given by those students who may have not received individual awards. Our activity is truly a team effort that relies on each member doing their part.” 

   The team’s next tournament will be the Pi Kappa Delta National Tournament and Convention in Mt. Pleasant, Mich., March 6-11.